AIMS International South Africa is proud to present an interview with Ms. Jene Palmer who speaks to us about her role as the CEO of Spescom Limited and sheds some light on the challenges and Diversity within the modern Corporate Arena.

Organisation	Spescom Limited
Interviewee	Jene Palmer
Position (at time interview was completed)	CEO
Industry	ICT
Country	South Africa
Currency	Rand
Qualifications	CA Degree, Bcomm Degree and Bcompt Degree (Honours)

Have there been any defining moments for you in your career?

Being appointed CEO of Spescom Limited was definitely a defining moment in my career.

What challenges would you say diversity executives face?

They need to prove themselves as competent and able, which they are, as their counterparts. This means diversity executives sometimes work harder and put more effort into their careers and responsibilities.

What advantage do you feel the diversity executive brings to an organisation?

The diversity executive brings a balance, especially if we are talking about female executives, providing a balance in an often male dominated environment. In fact, diversity in any form brings a new perspective and view to the table and can only strengthen an organisation.

What in your opinion is the best-fit corporate culture for diversity executives?

An open, honest culture that embraces each and every individual and the value that they can contribute to an organisation is one that provides a 'best fit' culture for diversity executives. In addition, the environment and culture must embrace and encourage teamwork as this allows individuals to leverage their colleagues' differences i.e. strengths, ideas, experience and expertise.

What HR/Recruitment trends are experienced within your industry that affects diversity executives?

The skills pool remains small which puts pressure on organisations to deliver. The lack of skills translates to high cost of skilled employees and organisations face the frequent reality of these skills being poached.

In your experience, what impact has diversity executives had on the success of operations within your organisation?

Diversity executives are having an impact on decision making within organisations as they bring a new perspective to the 'table'. In addition, 'softer' people issues are being emphasised which improves the open mindedness of the entire executive team.

What diversity programmes do you know of that you feel are of significant value to an organisation?

Again, BEE is the cornerstone of transformation in South Africa, providing a plan towards incorporating diversity executives into the commercial/corporate sector. In addition, employment equity is a structure that promotes fair appointment of individuals that are in the minority including disabled persons.

Which country in your opinion is a leader within diversity management and integration?

Australia and New Zealand are two countries that also face diversity issues albeit to a much lesser degree than South Africa. However, they have managed to reach a point where diversity is embraced. It must be noted that South Africa too is making strides in this regard.

Who would you consider a mentor or inspirational figure?

A key figure and example of a diversity executive is Wendy Luhabe, founder of Wiphold, a female empowerment group. She has managed to establish herself as a respected and admired business leader that has founded organisations and that promotes the value that women can deliver in business. She is an example of what diversity executives can achieve if they pursue their goals and don’t let challenges stand in their way.

What inspiration would you give to diversity executives who are currently on their own journey to success?

Life is what you make of it. A positive attitude is essential. This improves the quality of your business and personal life. Positive energy enables you to rise up to any challenge. They may seem insurmountable, but once tackled are never as difficult.